Try walking in the steps of a ghost who once mined Columbia, California during the Gold Rush.
Though smoking is not allowed, guests say they could smell the odor of smoke and whisky from the saloon neighboring the Fallon hotel. There is also a homemade ice cream parlor with an old theater connected to the saloon.
The hotel and theater was built by an Irish stonecutter in1859 and later expanded it to include a saloon. The whole city reflects the 1800s architecture.
Since this place attracts so much attention, I decided to try it out. I stayed in the Fallon Hotel with my family, a famous hotel that is rumored to be haunted. Room nine is known to have lights switch on and off, and a young woman who lingers, watching over her guests.
Luckily when I stayed at the Fallon, I didn’t have to deal with any ghosts. On the other hand, I didn’t stay in room nine.
Nonetheless, the hotel definitely had this intriguing supernatural vibe.
I had arranged a reservation for dinner at the hotel restaurant on the ride over in the car, but when we arrived at the hotel, it seemed empty and the clear glass doors were locked.
I had my father go down the street to another hotel (Columbia is only a few blocks long) to find out what was going on. They also were named the Fallon; fancy that. And they gave us our key to the hotel down the street, which we found out later was not completely empty.
We ended up enjoying a five star meal at the hotel down the street, which we found out was the sister hotel to the Fallon. The server wore a tuxedo, which was strange considering we were in a ghost town. He brought wine and bread and showed great hospitality.
The first course included onion soup melted with mozzarella cheese in a baked bread bowl. Second course was duck, cooked in butter and topped with a dark mushroom sauce. Third course was prawns, also covered in butter. A tomato-based tartar sauce was provided. It was excellent service and delicious simplicity.
The next day in town, we enjoyed snacks from vendors, such as grilled corn and pastries. We also found candle shop where they teach you how to make your own candles.
We watched street performers singing and playing the Banjo while we sipped on brewed Sarsaparilla.
We decided to venture into the caves of Sonoma, which is nearby the town. The caves were a sight to see, with beautiful crystal rocks hanging from the ceiling.
My parents enjoyed the wine country and visited the wineries a few minutes away.
I recommend visiting this place because you Columbia is a great place for adventure and learning about the history of California.